The most popular accessory in recent years is… a toilet stool! Really, if you have certain types of poop problems, it can really help. Squatty Potty (or any other brand that sells this type of product) has managed to solve a problem that many health experts continue to comment on: the position on the toilet.
Squatty Potty – Who is this stool for?
Toilet stools like these are useful if you go to the bathroom and feel like you can't have a bowel movement. You would be surprised how many people have difficulty defecating related to the evacuation process. For whatever reason, the pelvic floor muscles become uncoordinated. Instead of relaxing and allowing the evacuation of stool to proceed normally, the entire process is lost.
What usually happens is that the anal sphincter muscle contracts when you're sitting at your desk, walking, or just watching Netflix. And it's great! Those are times when you don't want to poop.
Automatic contraction means that the anal sphincter remains closed and keeps stool inside. But when you sit down to go and give a little push, the muscles relax and allow the rectum to straighten and the stool to fall out with a combination of pushing and gravity. In some situations, however, the process is uncoordinated and the muscles contract rather than relax during the push.
By using the stool placed at the base of the toilet, you will put your feet on top while sitting on the toilet seat. This allows the feet to be at a higher level, which straightens the angle of the rectum , which facilitates movement.
Before the modern toilet we know today, squatting was the normal position for pooping, and our new way of sitting for bowel movements can contribute to defecation problems. In fact, flexing the hips when squatting compared to sitting has been found to reduce the strain needed to defecate.
Does it work to regulate intestinal transit?
Believe it or not, there is some research on poop. In a study of 52 young people, using a toilet stool helped empty their bowels, decreased straining, and decreased time spent on the toilet compared to not using one, according to a March 2019 article in the Journal. of Clinical Gastroenterology.
Obviously, you don't have to completely fix the problem. But Squatty Potty does allow for more comfortable and effortless bowel movements if someone exerts a lot of effort. Still, there is no health risk if you use it. If you are physically able, you can also raise your knees in this position while on the toilet, getting into position without needing a stool to do so. It takes a bit of balance, but many people will find that they can do it.
If you can evacuate easily, you don't need a toilet stool. Similarly, using one cannot overcome bad gastrointestinal health habits, such as skimping on fiber or not drinking enough water throughout the day . If you have constipation, first increase your fiber and fluids.
In the event that you do not finish going to the bathroom correctly, see your doctor to analyze the situation. A good physical exam will check for proper relaxation of the anus and the position of the rectum when you attempt a bowel movement.
How to choose a good toilet stool?
When buying a stool, the most important feature is that the height must be right for you. That's about 6 inches, but it differs based on height.
If you are tall and your stool is too low, your feet will not be high enough to make a difference. And if you are short and the stool is too high, it may not be comfortable.
Please make sure the height is right for you before you buy. The Squatty Potty brand has a Bamboo Flip bath stool with a base that you can flip to alter the height. The truth is that it costs more than € 30, and it may seem a high price compared to other brands.
There's also the Squatty Potty Adjustable Toilet Stool, a no-fuss plastic model that also adjusts between 17 and 22 centimeters. This can help you find the most comfortable position, but it can also help other people in your home.
